4
x 4 Trails
There are a number of routes in the area that range from a few hours to full day outings on public thoroughfares that have gravel surfaces, the condition of which varies widely. Depending on the route taken, some can include short stretches of tar. The nature of the terrain is such that mountain passes abound, the most famous of which is the Naudesnek Pass , which, at 2500m above sea-level, is the highest in the country. Arguably the most scenic is the Bastervoetpad Pass which emerges onto tar near Ugie. From there, it's not too far to Elliot and the tarred Barkly Pass to Barkly East but en route to Barkly, take the "Bottlenek" turnoff and you'll find yourself in the Sterkspruit valley. Left to Moshesh's Ford and right to Rhodes, a night rest and set for the next days outing, perhaps to Lundeansnek via Tiffindell?
Rock
art
 Rock art abounds in sandstone valleys of the Highlands and in the Bell River catchment some of the most well known and best preserved in Southern Africa are the images at Martindell in the Maartenshoek valley. The sites can be visited by prior arrangement with a guide as no-one allows unaccompanied visits. Detailed information on the sites can be obtained from a recent publication by David Lewis-Williams and Geoffrey Blundell entitled "Fragile Heritage" published by the Witwatersrand University Press.
Rock Art by arrangement only
Maartenshoek
Fine sites on the farms Martinsdell and Glass Nevin can be
viewed by arrangement and guides being available. |
Denorbin
Denorbin is in the Langkloofspruit valley between Barkly East
and Elliot and can be viewed by prior arrangement. Telephone
Gavin Small at 045 971 9052. |
Millard
Wynne and Dawn Green offer a guided service to sites in the
New England and Wartrail areas. Telephone 045 971 9078.
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Snow
skiing
 The Tiffindell Ski Resort is located on the slopes of Ben McDhui three quarters of an hour's drive from Rhodes under normal conditions. During the winter months, the resort operates a shuttle service from Rhodes . The resort welcomes day visitors although long week-ends can be particularly crowded. Rhodes is ideal for those who prefer to enjoy the slopes as well as peaceful surroundings with alternative activities.
Tennis & volleyball
Two all-weather courts are located in the centre of the village opposite the Rhodes Hotel. Keys for the court can be obtained from the hotel at a cost of R10/player. Please note that suitable footwear is essential to avoid damaging the surface.
Alpine flora
Seriously underestimated by the South African market, the Alpine plants of the real Southern Drakensberg attract enthusiasts from Europe and North America who make annual pilgrimages to view the summer flowers. Kniphofia species, pelargoniums and orchids in particular are great attractions. These and many other species can be seen during a trip to Naudesnek and/or on along the border patrol road to Tiffindell.
Chess
An outdoor chessboard in the caravan park will allow players to
play a game whilst enjoying the scenery and sunshine whilst passing
the time of day with passers-by
Hiking Trail and Walks
Several walks have been marked on the 900ha village common of varying durations and degrees of strenuousness.
 Birding
A number of rare species can be seen in the Highlands and Walkerbouts is an ideal venue from which "twitchers" can venture into the mountains to seek their next "tick". The network of roads from Rhodes places one in ideal locations to view these specialities. Orange-breasted rock-jumpers and Ground woodpeckers on the concrete pass in the Carlisleshoekspruit. Drakensberg siskins and Sickle wings on the plateau on the Naudesnek Pass route. Black Harriers on the Ben McDhui plateau. Bearded vultures in the Donkerhoek vicinity and many more species, all within an easy drive from Rhodes . A good field guide and binoculars is essential.
Quad biking
The advent of the quad bikes is a more recent development and the surrounding 4x4 routes are well suited for the purpose for responsible riders. Rhodes is a historic village known for its scenic beauty, quietness and tranquillity. We urge both quad-bikers and scrambler riders, to respect this.
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